New Apple TV 4K Expected to Launch Soon with Major Upgrades
- Mary
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
After nearly three years without an update, Apple's streaming box is due for a refresh, and rumors point to significant improvements coming in the next Apple TV 4K model. Let's explore the four key features expected in this upcoming release.
A17 Pro or A18 Chip: Major Performance Boost
The current Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic chip from 2022, but the next model is likely to receive a substantial processing upgrade. Industry insiders expect either the A17 Pro or the newer A18 chip to power the device.
This processor upgrade isn't just about speed—it's about enabling new capabilities. The newer chips would support Apple Intelligence features and significantly enhance the device's gaming performance, potentially positioning the Apple TV 4K as a more serious gaming contender.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Apple has been steadily rolling out its AI features across its product lineup. Initially limited to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple Intelligence recently expanded to Vision Pro and will soon come to Apple Watch with watchOS 12.
The new Apple TV 4K is expected to join this AI-powered ecosystem. Similar to how Amazon has implemented AI in its Fire TV platform, potential features could include:
Personalized content recommendations based on your mood
The ability to find specific scenes using natural language descriptions
Automatic identification of music played during shows and movies
With Siri's AI-powered upgrades expected this fall with iOS 19, the timing aligns perfectly for these enhancements to appear on the new Apple TV 4K.
Custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip
Following the introduction of its C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, Apple is preparing to debut another homegrown connectivity solution: its first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this custom wireless chip aims to create "an end-to-end wireless approach that is tightly integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient." For smart home users, this means Apple TV products will "work more closely together and potentially synchronize data more quickly."
The full advantages of this custom chip remain to be seen, but improved connectivity with other Apple devices seems to be a priority.
Possible Built-in Camera
Perhaps the most intriguing potential addition is a built-in camera. While less certain than the other upgrades, reports suggest Apple has discussed adding a camera to enable native FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls.
FaceTime is already available on tvOS, but currently requires using an iPhone's camera through the Continuity Camera feature. A built-in camera would streamline video calls on the largest screen in your home.
In this increasingly AI-driven product landscape, cameras are reportedly coming to several Apple products, including AirPods and Apple Watch. For the Apple TV 4K, a camera could enhance both communication and control options.
New Apple TV 4K: What's Next?
Since Apple typically waits several years between Apple TV hardware refreshes, we can expect this update to be substantial. Beyond the features mentioned above, there could be additional surprises when the device launches later this year.
Some users are hoping for audio and video quality improvements alongside these technical upgrades, as one commenter noted in the original report. With Apple's focus on premium experiences across its product line, such enhancements wouldn't be surprising.
The timing seems right for Apple to revitalize its streaming device with AI capabilities, custom chips, and potentially new input methods—all of which would help differentiate the Apple TV 4K in an increasingly competitive streaming device market.
Source: Apple.com
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